Around the league offseason

[Lipoli390]

Shaquille O'Neal on Rudy Gobert: 'He is making 250 million and he doesn't deserve it'
Jul. 25, 2025, 5:17 AM CDT
But Shaq made it clear once again on The Big Podcast that he doesn’t rock with the Minnesota Timberwolves center. "I fu*king hate Rudy Gobert," Shaq stated on his podcast. "He is making 250M and he doesn't deserve it. As the President of the Big Man Alliance, you making big money, play like a big man. That's it," he continued. "Throw some bows. Knock some people out. Don't be little white dudes from Denver dunk on you and talk to you. Then you got to grab them by the neck at the last second. If you going to get paid big money, play big," O'Neal added.

Is Shaq still salty that Rudy went for 25 and 20 on his Lakers in the playoffs!

Shaq does have a little point, not about the money, Rudy doesn't bring it consistently enough. I do think his back flares up and he's hindered by it. He just sometimes looks old and hobbled out there.

Shaq can say whatever he wants but Rudy is one of the best defensive centers (if not the best) in the league and keeps himself in excellent shape so he earns plenty of his salalry every year. I think you make a good point his back may give him some trouble from time to time but largely he plays most games especially for a big center those guys tend to miss a few games. If Shaq had kept himself in the shape Rudy does he would have had an even better career. It's weird how people take these shots at Gobert.

The reality is that Gobert has massively overachieved on his way to a HOF career. It's weird he isn't celebrated more than he is. Why doesn't Shaq spend his time ripping Ayton for obviously underachieving in his career? He has like twice the natural talent of Rudy and is at this point maybe half the player he is.

Shaq just being Shaq. Someone could point out that there was a point in Shaq’s career when he was more interested in rapping than playing basketball. He was overweight and out of shape. I’d say he was grossly overpaid during that period. I get Shaq’s underlying point that Rudy isn’t tough and doesn’t play with toughness. That’s true and can be frustrating. But Rudy is one of the best defensive bigs to ever play in the NBA. Moreover, he keeps his body in shape and takes the game seriously - two things I can’t say about Shaq.

[Monster]

Hey! Take it is easy on Kevin. TC might sign him to the 14th spot to end his career where it all started (on the court, anyway)...

Not sure I'm buying that Love is looking at only going to a place for it being a "Glamor market". He likely isn't going to some rebuilding team to sit on the bench mentoring guys. I think he can still offer something on the court if called upon. Whether or not a team has a need or want is another thing. He will be ok either way.

I have absolutely no insight into how Kevin Love thinks and no information on what he might be trying to do. Apparently, this reporter, Jake Fischer, heard something. And who knows what Kevin Love considers glamour markets. Maybe he sees a lot of glamour in Indianapolis. I was there a few weeks ago. I didn’t spot any glamour, but maybe I just don’t know where to look.

FYI I heard Detlef Schrempf and Roy Hibbert bought the rights to Entertainment 720 from NBC and are really killing it in Indy. You gotta check it out next time you go!

[Monster]

Is Shaq still salty that Rudy went for 25 and 20 on his Lakers in the playoffs!

Shaq does have a little point, not about the money, Rudy doesn't bring it consistently enough. I do think his back flares up and he's hindered by it. He just sometimes looks old and hobbled out there.

Shaq can say whatever he wants but Rudy is one of the best defensive centers (if not the best) in the league and keeps himself in excellent shape so he earns plenty of his salalry every year. I think you make a good point his back may give him some trouble from time to time but largely he plays most games especially for a big center those guys tend to miss a few games. If Shaq had kept himself in the shape Rudy does he would have had an even better career. It's weird how people take these shots at Gobert.

The reality is that Gobert has massively overachieved on his way to a HOF career. It's weird he isn't celebrated more than he is. Why doesn't Shaq spend his time ripping Ayton for obviously underachieving in his career? He has like twice the natural talent of Rudy and is at this point maybe half the player he is.

Shaq just being Shaq. Someone could point out that there was a point in Shaq’s career when he was more interested in rapping than playing basketball. He was overweight and out of shape. I’d say he was grossly overpaid during that period. I get Shaq’s underlying point that Rudy isn’t tough and doesn’t play with toughness. That’s true and can be frustrating. But Rudy is one of the best defensive bigs to ever play in the NBA. Moreover, he keeps his body in shape and takes the game seriously - two things I can’t say about Shaq.

The last thing we need is Rudy trying to be tough. He isn't and that's fine he needs to just play his game. The times he losses his mind it typically isn't a positive. Rudy already whacks people either awkwardly or on purpose.

Shaq is a good guy and an entertainer but he also deserves eye rolls at times with his comments. The ironic thing is there are people that think Shaq couldn't play in this era. I get where people are coming from but it's also laughable. Shaq would destroy players trying to guard him. He was so big and athletic and a pretty good passer. I think people that didn't see him play when he was in his prime have no idea what a problem he was. There aren't many centers in the NBA now that physically would be more than a road bump for Shaq guarding him. Also he was nimble and good enough shot locker he would have been able to play defensively.

[Wolvesfan21]

Shaq can say whatever he wants but Rudy is one of the best defensive centers (if not the best) in the league and keeps himself in excellent shape so he earns plenty of his salalry every year. I think you make a good point his back may give him some trouble from time to time but largely he plays most games especially for a big center those guys tend to miss a few games. If Shaq had kept himself in the shape Rudy does he would have had an even better career. It's weird how people take these shots at Gobert.

The reality is that Gobert has massively overachieved on his way to a HOF career. It's weird he isn't celebrated more than he is. Why doesn't Shaq spend his time ripping Ayton for obviously underachieving in his career? He has like twice the natural talent of Rudy and is at this point maybe half the player he is.

Shaq just being Shaq. Someone could point out that there was a point in Shaq’s career when he was more interested in rapping than playing basketball. He was overweight and out of shape. I’d say he was grossly overpaid during that period. I get Shaq’s underlying point that Rudy isn’t tough and doesn’t play with toughness. That’s true and can be frustrating. But Rudy is one of the best defensive bigs to ever play in the NBA. Moreover, he keeps his body in shape and takes the game seriously - two things I can’t say about Shaq.

The last thing we need is Rudy trying to be tough. He isn't and that's fine he needs to just play his game. The times he losses his mind it typically isn't a positive. Rudy already whacks people either awkwardly or on purpose.

Shaq is a good guy and an entertainer but he also deserves eye rolls at times with his comments. The ironic thing is there are people that think Shaq couldn't play in this era. I get where people are coming from but it's also laughable. Shaq would destroy players trying to guard him. He was so big and athletic and a pretty good passer. I think people that didn't see him play when he was in his prime have no idea what a problem he was. There aren't many centers in the NBA now that physically would be more than a road bump for Shaq guarding him. Also he was nimble and good enough shot locker he would have been able to play defensively.

Shaq was arguably the best player in the league in his prime, his Laker years were incredible. He was completely unstoppable. You're right though he was fat and out of shape and collected checks later on. I think injuries also played a role in his downfall but so did his weight. If he was 40 pounds lighter would have been more effective in his later years? Rudy gets that checkmark for sure!

Shaq was a fat ass bum after his last championship.

Shaq probably regrets how soft and fat he became later on so he tries to rip todays big men in order to make himself feel better. That's my own pscho analytical take anyways.

[Lipoli390]

Shaq can say whatever he wants but Rudy is one of the best defensive centers (if not the best) in the league and keeps himself in excellent shape so he earns plenty of his salalry every year. I think you make a good point his back may give him some trouble from time to time but largely he plays most games especially for a big center those guys tend to miss a few games. If Shaq had kept himself in the shape Rudy does he would have had an even better career. It's weird how people take these shots at Gobert.

The reality is that Gobert has massively overachieved on his way to a HOF career. It's weird he isn't celebrated more than he is. Why doesn't Shaq spend his time ripping Ayton for obviously underachieving in his career? He has like twice the natural talent of Rudy and is at this point maybe half the player he is.

Shaq just being Shaq. Someone could point out that there was a point in Shaq’s career when he was more interested in rapping than playing basketball. He was overweight and out of shape. I’d say he was grossly overpaid during that period. I get Shaq’s underlying point that Rudy isn’t tough and doesn’t play with toughness. That’s true and can be frustrating. But Rudy is one of the best defensive bigs to ever play in the NBA. Moreover, he keeps his body in shape and takes the game seriously - two things I can’t say about Shaq.

The last thing we need is Rudy trying to be tough. He isn't and that's fine he needs to just play his game. The times he losses his mind it typically isn't a positive. Rudy already whacks people either awkwardly or on purpose.

Shaq is a good guy and an entertainer but he also deserves eye rolls at times with his comments. The ironic thing is there are people that think Shaq couldn't play in this era. I get where people are coming from but it's also laughable. Shaq would destroy players trying to guard him. He was so big and athletic and a pretty good passer. I think people that didn't see him play when he was in his prime have no idea what a problem he was. There aren't many centers in the NBA now that physically would be more than a road bump for Shaq guarding him. Also he was nimble and good enough shot locker he would have been able to play defensively.

Agree on both points, Monster. Rudy should NOT try to be tough and Shaq was an awsome largely unstoppable big in his prime. Every player has significant flaws, even the great ones. Rudy has bad hands, can’t shoot, is sometimes really clumsy and is pretty soft. But he’s proven to be one of the best defenders and rebounders in NBA history. Shaq was lazy and overweight in the latter portion of his playing career, but he was still arguably the most unstoppable inside force the NBA has seen since Wilt.

[Lipoli390]

Jamal Cain signs with Orlando
Jamal Cain signs with Orlando
Jul. 25, 2025, 8:05 PM CDT
Orlando Magic: We have signed forward Jamal Cain to a two-way contract.
x.com

Can’t believe we let him get away!

[Lipoli390]

Suns out of Ben Simmons sweepstakes?
Suns out of Ben Simmons sweepstakes?
Jul. 25, 2025, 5:17 AM CDT
Jake Fischer: Sacramento and New York were the two teams that I was told back in Las Vegas were the top contenders for Ben Simmons and his two best options. But we've also been told that Boston and Phoenix are teams that have ra made contact with his camp and his representation. The Suns I think make a little bit less sense now that they have brought in Jordan Goodwin after claiming him off waivers from the Lakers. And Boston, I think their situation is still a little bit murky being that they are absolutely still going to be open and engaged on trade conversations for Anfernee Simons and George Niang, but right now there's a bit of a Ben Simmons sweep stakes going on at the the bottom of the barrel of the NBA free agency open market period.

Hey guys, he’s still available! If nothing else, he’d be a great team culture addition.

[Lipoli390]

Hoopshype contributor, Cyros Asseo listed his take on the best players in this year’s summer league. He appropriately listed TSJ. Here’s what he wrote about him:

”Summer League Stats: 22.7 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 5.0 apg, 47.6% FG

2025-26 salary: $2,674,080 (rookie scale)

Shannon Jr is a three-point bomber. It's reported he has made over 18,000 threes so far this summer, and he’s someone that, even in the playoffs, we saw the type of swagger he could bring. He is a gritty defender who can guard one through four and is a player with the catch-and-shoot ability that any team would want. So, with a team that is a contender with aspirations to win a championship, he is the type of guy you expect to take a step forward this coming season.”

Reading this is a reminder that much of what’s written by sports writers isn’t alway particularly well informed. Those who know TSJ’s game would never refer to him as a “three-point bomber.” Yes, he took a lot of threes this summer in a commendable all-out effort to improve his three-point shooting. But we all know he’s fundamentally a downhill rim attacker, not a three-point bomber. If he develops a consistent three both off the dribble and the catch, he will be special.

[Monster]

Jamal Cain signs with Orlando
Jamal Cain signs with Orlando
Jul. 25, 2025, 8:05 PM CDT
Orlando Magic: We have signed forward Jamal Cain to a two-way contract.
x.com

Can’t believe we let him get away!

I didn't think he was eligible for a 2-way but that's a solid get if you want a guy at the end of your roster with nba experience and not suck. Not sure there is much upside but sometimes that's fine.

[Monster]

Hoopshype contributor, Cyros Asseo listed his take on the best players in this year’s summer league. He appropriately listed TSJ. Here’s what he wrote about him:

”Summer League Stats: 22.7 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 5.0 apg, 47.6% FG

2025-26 salary: $2,674,080 (rookie scale)

Shannon Jr is a three-point bomber. It's reported he has made over 18,000 threes so far this summer, and he’s someone that, even in the playoffs, we saw the type of swagger he could bring. He is a gritty defender who can guard one through four and is a player with the catch-and-shoot ability that any team would want. So, with a team that is a contender with aspirations to win a championship, he is the type of guy you expect to take a step forward this coming season.”

Reading this is a reminder that much of what’s written by sports writers isn’t alway particularly well informed. Those who know TSJ’s game would never refer to him as a “three-point bomber.” Yes, he took a lot of threes this summer in a commendable all-out effort to improve his three-point shooting. But we all know he’s fundamentally a downhill rim attacker, not a three-point bomber. If he develops a consistent three both off the dribble and the catch, he will be special.

Plus a lot of folks that definitely watch some Wolves games have said he was not exactly good on the defensive end last season. I think most people think he has the potential to do what was said but he hasn't done it yet. Listening to Dane Moore he is trying so hard not be be all in on TSJ maybe being a star. Even Britt Robson while more cautious still was like yeah I mean he seems like he is already headed towards being an impact and starter and regardless of age that's good.